James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

37. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the current position regarding the Fáilte Ireland-funded outdoor water-based activity facility in Claycastle, Youghal, Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24322/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies.

I am advised that the second Platform for Growth capital funding scheme managed by Fáilte Ireland focuses on developing water sports activity facilities across the country. These facilities will provide a hub in each locality from which multiple water sport operators can base themselves. These best-in-class facilities will include a range of facilities such as changing facilities, showers, toilets, secure storage and enclosed spaces for inductions to take place.

In December 2021 Cork County Council was formally awarded €850,000 for the development of a watersport facility at Claycastle, Youghal. In September 2023, Cork County Council’s grant award was increased to €1.2 million. This grant increase will further enhance the project by incorporating changing places, as well as wayfinding and orientation signage.

Cork County Council has been working since then on the development of the planning application for the project. This has involved a detailed design process, environmental screening reports and creating digital renders of the proposed facility. I understand that the publication of the planning application has been delayed as a result of two complications. The first relates to a change to the county flood risk maps in 2023 which affects the area that had been initially identified for development and the second relates to the requirement to make an application to MARA (the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority). I am advised that Cork County Council hopes that a planning application will be published for this site before the end of June 2024.

This development will support east Cork as an outdoor activity destination which was identified as a strategic opportunity in the draft Cork City, Harbour and East Cork Destination Experience Development Plan 2024 – 2028.